Camp Counsellor Roles at Summer Camp
Be a Camp Counsellor with
Camp New York
As a Camp Counsellor, you’ll be at the heart of the summer camp experience, a role that’s as rewarding as it is unforgettable. You’ll lead a small group of campers, guiding them through their daily activities, offering encouragement and making sure they have the best summer of their lives. To your campers, you’ll become a mentor, cheerleader and trusted older sibling all rolled into one.
Being a camp counsellor isn’t just fun, it’s life-changing. You’ll develop leadership and communication skills, gain international work experience and create lifelong friendships with people from… around the world. Every day is different, filled with outdoor adventures, laughter and the chance to make a real impact on the lives of the kids in your care.
Bring along a positive, can do attitude and a passion for helping young people shine. If you’re ready for a summer full of adventure, personal growth and unforgettable memories, stepping into the role of a Camp New York Counsellor is your chance to make a real impact while having the time of your life.
Be an Activity Specialist at Camp New York
As an Activity Specialist, you’ll spend your summer doing what you love and sharing it with campers. Whether your passion is sports, performing arts, music, water activities, or outdoor adventure, you’ll lead fun, engaging sessions that help kids learn new skills and build confidence. Most camps offer over 50 activities, so there’s a place for every talent from soccer and lifeguarding to kayaking, climbing, drama, or guitar.
You’ll be the expert in your area, running or assisting in daily sessions and guiding campers through unforgettable experiences. When you’re not leading activities, you’ll live in a cabin with campers just like a general counsellor, joining in camp games, evening events, and all the fun that makes summer camp so special.
Whether you’re a qualified coach, an experienced hobbyist, or simply passionate about your skill, camp will provide the training and support to help you shine. By the end of the summer, you’ll have gained leadership experience, teaching skills, and lifelong memories , all while spending your days outdoors, doing what you love.
Types of Camps We Work With
At Camp New York, we partner with over 800 camps across the USA, including 200+ in the New York area. Every camp is unique, but most fall into one or more of these categories. Understanding the different types will help you find the perfect summer camp experience for you.
Traditional & Private Camps
These are the classic American summer camps you see in the movies – cabins, campfires, lakes and a huge variety of activities from sports to arts and outdoor adventures. Private camps are often run as businesses with campers aged 7–17 staying for 1–8 weeks. Expect lively dining hall meals, amazing facilities and plenty of camp traditions.
Single-Gender Camps
These camps are all boys or all girls, creating a unique and close-knit environment. The activities are just as varied as traditional camps, but the single-gender setup often creates strong bonds between campers and staff.
Special Needs Camps
These incredible camps cater to children and adults with diverse abilities, offering an inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy the magic of summer camp. You’ll provide extra care and attention, create meaningful connections, and leave with a truly life-changing experience.
Day Camps
Day camps serve local children who come for action-packed days (usually 9–5, Monday to Friday) and return home each evening. Staff often stay in on-site accommodation, local university dorms, or with host families. These camps are perfect if you want weekends free to explore the USA!
Faith-Based Camps
Faith-based camps, often Christian or Jewish, combine traditional camp fun with light elements of faith. Expect the same lakes, cabins, and sports fields as any other camp, with a few faith-based activities woven in. Staff from all backgrounds are welcome.
Underprivileged Camps
Run by non-profits, these camps give life-changing opportunities to children who might not otherwise experience summer camp. Many campers come from inner-city backgrounds, and seeing them discover new skills and adventures for the first time is incredibly rewarding.
Rustic & Outdoor Camps
If you love the outdoors, this is the camp for you. Rustic camps are immersive and adventurous, often with limited tech and a focus on hiking, climbing, camping, and outdoor skills. You’ll spend your summer surrounded by nature and leave with unforgettable memories.
Apply now
Benefits of
Camp New York
Location Control
You can choose your camp placement within New York State or nearby areas, ensuring you are close enough to the excitement of New York City.
Variety of Activities
Camp New York participants have the chance to teach or coach various activities they are passionate about, such as soccer, basketball, swimming, dance, photography and so much more. Take a look at our roles at a Summer Camp page for a more dedicated breakdown. You don’t have to be an expert, but a keen attitude to learn and make a difference is a must.
Cultural Experience
Being in proximity to NYC allows for a rich cultural experience during your time off, visit museums, attend Broadway shows, or enjoy New York city’s renowned food scene… especially pizza!
Apply now
Hear from our happy campers
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“Massive thank you to Camp New York. Appreciate all you’ve done for me! If you want to choose a camp in America go with Camp New York. Trust me it’s boss.”
Jack Critchlow
“Massive thank you to Camp New York. Appreciate all you’ve done for me! If you want to choose a camp in America go with Camp New York. Trust me it’s boss.”
Jack Critchlow
“Massive thank you to Camp New York. Appreciate all you’ve done for me! If you want to choose a camp in America go with Camp New York. Trust me it’s boss.”
Jack Critchlow